Though they’re often mistaken as the same role, pharmacy technicians and pharmacists are very distinct positions. Both roles are integral to the smooth operation of a pharmacy and involve working closely with medications, but they differ significantly in terms of their responsibilities, educational requirements, and scope of practice.
For instance, pharmacy technicians are typically tasked with dispensing medication, managing inventory, and assisting with customer support under the direct supervision of a licensed pharmacist. It’s possible to earn your pharmacy technician diploma in as little as 9 months.
In contrast, licensed pharmacists hold a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree, enabling them to offer a broader range of services — including developing personalized medication therapy plans, providing expert advice on drug interactions, and making critical clinical decisions to optimize patient care. While PharmD programs typically take four years to complete, some can be completed in under 3 years. That being said, most PharmD programs have prerequisites that must be met in order to be admitted/accepted into the program. This can bring the total amount of time spent in school to 8+ years.
Read on to explore other major differences between pharmacy technicians and pharmacists.
What Does a Pharmacy Technician Do?
Pharmacy technicians are medical professionals who collaborate closely with pharmacists to monitor the health and safety of their patients. Their main responsibilities include locating, dispensing, packaging, and labeling prescribed medications. A pharmacist meticulously reviews every medication for accuracy — both upon arrival at the pharmacy and before it is dispensed to the patient.
While pharmacy technicians do not have the authority to verify prescriptions or provide clinical guidance to patients, they must be detail-oriented and adhere to strict regulatory standards. Their primary focus is centered around supporting pharmacists, enabling them to concentrate on more complex aspects of patient care.
Beyond their medication management duties, pharmacy technicians assist with administrative tasks, such as processing insurance claims, managing inventory, and maintaining accurate patient records. They also play a key role in patient education by providing important information about proper usage, dosage, and potential side effects of prescriptions. Each aspect of their work aims to create an efficient workflow that benefits both pharmacy staff and the community they serve.
What Does a Pharmacist Do?
Pharmacists oversee the overall operations within pharmacies, ensuring that medications are dispensed safely and effectively. Their core responsibility is to fill prescriptions for patients, which requires careful verification of each order for safety, accuracy, and proper formulation. Before providing medications, pharmacists review customers' medication histories to prevent potential interactions with existing treatments.
In addition to filling prescriptions, pharmacists administer vaccines, such as flu shots, and conduct basic health screenings by measuring blood sugar, cholesterol, and blood pressure levels.
Pharmacists also collaborate with doctors and other healthcare professionals to consult on specific prescriptions to improve patient outcomes. Unlike pharmacy technicians, pharmacists have the authority to prescribe certain non-regulated medications, such as antibiotics and minor pain relievers, which help expand patient access to necessary treatments.
What Skills Do You Need to Work in a Pharmacy?
Whether you’re aiming to be a pharmacy technician or a pharmacist, navigating a career in the pharmaceutical field requires a distinct set of skills and attributes. Take a closer look at the most important skills needed to succeed in both professions according to O*NET OnLine:
Skills for Pharmacy Technicians:
- Attention to Detail: Pharmacy technicians must ensure medications are dispensed accurately and maintain precise records, which is crucial for patient safety and compliance. Their precise work lays the foundation for pharmacists to review and verify these details before medications ever reach patients.
- Organizational Skills: Efficiently managing inventory, patient records, and administrative tasks is essential to support smooth pharmacy operations. While both pharmacists and pharmacy technicians need strong organizational skills, pharmacists handle much broader operational aspects, whereas pharmacy technicians focus on day-to-day tasks.
- Customer Service: Because pharmacy technicians often serve as the first point of contact, it’s vital to provide patients with a positive experience. They’re also required to be able to address any patient concerns and refer complex issues to the pharmacist if any questions exceed their scope of practice.
- Clinical Expertise: In-depth knowledge of pharmacology, drug interactions, and treatment protocols enables pharmacists to make informed decisions about medication management.
- Leadership and Communication: Pharmacists lead pharmacy operations and work collaboratively with healthcare teams. Effective leadership and communication skills are essential for coordinating patient care, consulting with outside healthcare professionals, and managing pharmacy staff, such as pharmacy technicians.
- Decision-Making: Pharmacists are responsible for making critical decisions regarding patient care, including prescribing medications and managing complex health issues. This requires sound judgment and advanced decision-making abilities to ensure safe patient outcomes.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmacy Tech: Education and Licensing
To become a pharmacy technician, you typically need to complete a pharmacy tech training program or earn a certificate, which can take about six months to two years, depending on the program. While certification and licensure requirements vary by state, most technicians must pass a national certification exam and meet continuing education requirements.
The process generally involves several key steps:
- Complete a pharmacy technician program: The first step to becoming a pharmacy technician is to start with a high school diploma or GED. These serve as a prerequisite to any training program. For a thorough and well-rounded education, consider a pharmacy technician diploma program. They help provide a solid foundation that supports both job readiness and long-term career advancement.
- Gain practical experience: Throughout a pharmacy tech program, you'll benefit from hands-on training, which is critical for translating classroom knowledge into practical skills.
- Obtain national certification: Following the completion of a pharmacy technician program, you need to pass a national certification exam. The most common certifications are offered through the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) and the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). Before applying for your certification, be sure to check the specific certification requirements for your area.
- Obtain state certification: State certification requirements for pharmacy technicians vary. In some states, a high school diploma and national certification may be sufficient. However, the majority of states require additional licensure.
- Find a job as a pharmacy technician: After meeting the requirements to become a pharmacy technician, begin your job search by exploring opportunities at pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics through your school’s resources, job boards, professional networking, and more.
- Maintain your certification and licensure: Some states require pharmacy technicians to complete continuing education to maintain their certification or licensure. To keep your credentials current, regularly review the requirements on the PTCB and NHA sites, as well as your state's Board of Pharmacy site.
For more, check out our career guide: How to Become a Pharmacy Technician in California.
Steps to Becoming a Pharmacist: Education and Licensing
Becoming a pharmacist involves several critical educational and licensing steps, typically taking around eight to 12 years from the start of undergraduate studies. Below is a brief overview of the process:
- Complete undergraduate education: While a bachelor's degree is not always mandatory if you are accepted into a PharmD program directly from high school, most students complete undergraduate coursework — especially in subjects like chemistry or biology — which prepares them for a PharmD program.
- Enroll in a PharmD program: Once you’ve completed an undergraduate program, a Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) program typically takes four years to complete and provides the necessary education and clinical training required to practice as a pharmacist. You should note that admission usually requires completion of prerequisite courses.
- Obtain licensure: After earning your PharmD, you need to secure licensure to practice as a pharmacist. This involves passing the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination (NAPLEX) and often a state-specific law exam. Additional state-specific requirements may also apply.
- Gain practical experience: Clinical rotations are integral to PharmD programs, offering hands-on experience in diverse pharmacy settings. Most PharmD programs incorporate practical components into their curriculum. However, you can gain an edge in your job search by actively seeking additional experience.
- Consider specialization: After becoming licensed, pharmacists may pursue board certifications or additional training in specialized fields (e.g., oncology, pediatric, or psychiatric) to enhance their expertise and career prospects.
- Maintain certification and licensure: Pharmacists are required to complete continuing education to maintain their licensure. This involves regular updates and coursework as mandated by state boards and certification organizations. To ensure your pharmacy credentials remain current, regularly review the PTCB, NHA, and your state's Board of Pharmacy site.
Why Consider a Pharmacy Technician Program?
A Pharmacy Technician program offers a cohesive, practical way to start a career in healthcare, as most programs can be completed in less than a year. ACC’s pharmacy technician training combines in-person instruction with online coursework, offering a flexible learning environment to accommodate busy schedules. Moreover, ACC’s campuses are institutionally accredited, which can help you feel confident about the quality of your education.
In addition to its industry-current curriculum, a key feature of ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program is its externships. This component gives you the advantage of gaining critical hands-on experience in a real pharmacy setting, allowing you to apply what you’ve learned in the classroom to real-world situations.
Lastly, a Pharmacy Technician program serves as an excellent foray into PharmD programs because it teaches you the foundational knowledge and skills essential for more advanced pharmaceutical studies.
Begin Your Career as a Pharmacy Technician Through ACC
Choosing the right path to begin your career in the pharmaceutical field can feel overwhelming, but the right resources can make the journey smoother. ACC’s accredited Pharmacy Technician program is designed to make your transition into this healthcare role both seamless and fulfilling.
ACC’s program offers hands-on training in classrooms modeled on real-life pharmacy settings. Its curriculum helps prepare you for the professional world, covering subjects like pharmacology, pharmacy law, drug distribution, retail pharmacy, and IV preparation to help ensure your preparedness and confidence as you embark on this rewarding career path.
Start making a difference in patients' lives — explore financial aid opportunities or request more information about ACC’s Pharmacy Technician program. Your future in the pharmaceutical field is just a few steps away!
